Jason Bittel
Washington Post
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Past articles by Jason:
When winter gets weird: Thundersnow, frost quakes and more
An expert explains some of the stranger events caused by weather that happen in winter. → Read More
Why do our feet and armpits stink sometimes?
Everybody gets a little smelly sometimes. A scientist explains why. → Read More
NASA’s Artemis I launch has faced several delays. That’s actually common.
Scientists have to deal with many issues — including hurricanes and computer glitches — before a rocket can be launched into space. → Read More
This spider web is strong enough for a bird to sit on, a scientific first
The newly recorded behavior could mean the jorō spider, an invasive species, can provide a small but positive benefit to other wildlife. → Read More
Giant sunfish sets new record for world’s largest bony fish
At more than 6,000 pounds, the fish—found dead off the Azores—weighs as much as a white rhino. → Read More
Where do animals’ winter coats come from?
Lots of animals stay active through the snows of winter. But why don’t they freeze? → Read More
Three new snake species discovered in graveyards
Native to southern Ecuador, the newfound serpents belong to a little-studied group of snakes that spend their lives underground. → Read More
Sea otters: Here’s what you otter know.
In honor of Sea Otter Awareness Week, an expert talks about these fluffy marine mammals. → Read More
Why these furry male mammals sing with humanlike rhythm
Rock hyraxes get more mates—and have healthier offspring—when they can keep a solid beat, a new study says. → Read More
Perseids are the year’s best meteor shower
An expert explains why these shooting stars appear each August and how to see them. → Read More
Helium isn’t just for balloons. It’s a valuable technology resource.
The element -- which is rare on Earth -- is used in rockets, smartphones and medical equipment. → Read More
Why some animals evolved to sacrifice themselves
From headbutting muskoxen to self-sacrificing bees, evolution favors populations, not individuals. → Read More
Why do we get the hiccups?
A scientist explains why we hiccup and how to make it stop. → Read More
How predators get past the trickiest of defenses
Many clever species are undeterred by porcupine quills, venomous snake fangs, sticky-armed octopuses, and more. → Read More
Big, colorful joro spiders are coming! But there’s no need to be afraid.
Scientists say this nonnative spider is spreading along the East Coast, and that might be a good thing. → Read More
What would it feel like to touch a cloud?
When characters fly or fall through the sky in cartoons, they often eat, grab or even wear clouds as if the sky poofs were made of cotton balls. But what would it feel like to touch a cloud in real life? Believe it or not, NASA research scientist Kristina Pistone said many of us have already touched a cloud — though we probably didn’t realize it at the time. “Technically, clouds are really tiny,… → Read More
Why do we drink milk from cows and not goats or other mammals?
It’s not just about flavor, according to one milk expert. → Read More
A new discovery could help save this 10-foot-long 'living fossil' fish
The alligator gar, an apex predator, has disappeared from parts of the Mississippi River. → Read More
Is it safe to eat snow?
Snow is mostly frozen water, but in some situations, you might be getting more than you bargained for. → Read More
Nuclear power: Could it be a clean energy solution?
Nuclear power plants don’t emit greenhouse gases, but there are cost and safety drawbacks. → Read More